Canada Post workers have walked off the job following the federal government’s green light for the Crown corporation to end door-to-door mail delivery.
The federal government will also allow Canada Post to close some rural post offices they deem unnecessary. Letter delivery standards will also be relaxed, ending the movement of non-urgent mail by air.
Earlier Thursday, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, Joel Lightbound, announced the government is lifting the moratorium that had prevented Canada Post from replacing remaining door-to-door delivery with community mailboxes.
In response, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) launched a nationwide strike Thursday evening, halting all mail and parcel services.
The union called the government’s direction “outrageous,” saying the plan would hurt workers and communities, particularly in rural areas where post office closures are also on the table.
The minister said the changes are necessary to keep Canada Post financially viable, noting the organization loses $10 million a day.
Canada Post welcomed the government’s decision but has not issued a statement since the strike began.
In an update, Canada Post confirmed that no mail or parcels will be delivered or accepted during the disruption, and service guarantees are suspended.
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